Southern Brave

The announcement of the new eight-team men's and women's tournament series in 2019 was met with some controversy. Prominent players, including Virat Kohli, criticised the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for moving away from traditional Test cricket, while others argued that the format should have followed the already established and successful Twenty20 model. However, the ECB maintained that a distinctive format was necessary to attract new audiences.

In August 2019, the team announced that former Sri Lanka batsman and 2019 IPL-winning coach Mahela Jayawardene would serve as the men's side's first head coach, while former England Women captain Charlotte Edwards was appointed as head coach of the women's team. Jayawardene was assisted by two former Hampshire players — former New Zealand international bowler Shane Bond and former opening batsman and current coach of the Hampshire Second XI, Jimmy Adams — while Richard Halsall also served as an assistant coach.

The inaugural Hundred draft took place in October 2019, with the Brave selecting Jofra Archer as their headline men's draftee and Anya Shrubsole as the women's headliner. They were joined by England internationals James Vince and Chris Jordan for the men's side, while Danielle Wyatt joined Shrubsole in the women's team.

As part of the 2025 Hundred sale, the ECB granted Hampshire County Cricket Club a 51% stake in the franchise, with the remaining 49% sold through an auction process. GMR Group acquired the 49% share, while Hampshire County Cricket Club — also part-owned by GMR Group — retained its stake. The group assumed operational control on 1 October 2025.